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Thursday, May 19, 2011

Chorizo-ish Meatloaf

Before we get started on tonight's dinner, let me answer the first question asked by all the people (two) when I mentioned what tonight's dinner would be: what is chorizo?

According to epicurious (a real authoritative source for a change), chorizo (pronounced chor-EE-soh) is a spicy sausage used in both Mexican and Spanish cooking. Although it is normally made with pork, kosher and vegan versions are available. However, in the tonight's recipe, spices traditionally found in chorizo are used to flavor-up the ground beef instead of the real thing. Hence the "-ish" name.

Chorizo tends to be very spicy, but this meatloaf is a tiny bit tingly on your tongue. If you prefer spicy hot, feel free to double the hot paprika and chipotle chili pepper. But if you are the type who thinks ketchup is on the edge, substitute and equal amount of regular paprika or sweet smoked paprika for the chipotle chile pepper.

Mush the mixture together with your (preferably clean) hands just until all the spices are evenly distributed.

Shape the mixture into a loaf no more than two inches thick or so and place in prepared roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer halfway into the center, then place in oven so that the thermometer can easily be viewed without having to open the oven door to check temperature.

Roast uncovered for 50 minutes, or until crust is nicely browned and internal temperature is at least 160F.

About Me

Librarian by day, blogger by night, and author of The Everything Kosher Slowcooker Cookbook, available at Amazon,Barnes & Noble and at select Temple gift shops. Or check it out at your local library ... of course.